Social Media Surpasses Traditional TV as Top News Source for Americans
A recent Syracuse University study indicates a significant shift in how adults consume political and election news, with platforms like YouTube leading the trend.
Social media platforms have now surpassed traditional television news as the primary source for political and election news among American adults, according to a recent monthly Flash Report by Syracuse University’s Center for the Creator Economy. The survey of 1,001 adults found that 59% regularly get their news from social media, with 55% specifically turning to these platforms for political information.
YouTube has emerged as the leading individual source for political and election news, capturing 16.5% of respondents' attention. This narrowly edges out broadcast and cable TV news at 16.1% and online news sites at 15.7%. Combined, social platforms and independent outlets—including YouTube, X, TikTok, Instagram, podcasts, Substack, and independent newsletters—were cited by 60% of those surveyed, compared to 32% who rely on traditional newsrooms.
Young adults and Black Americans were identified as demographics most likely to depend on social media for news over professional journalists. Among other platforms, X registered 14% of users for news consumption, followed by Facebook at 10.8%, TikTok at 10.4%, and Instagram at 7.3%. Podcasts accounted for 3.5%, newsletters for 3.4%, and LinkedIn at 0.3%.
The study also highlighted a growing trust in independent news creators, with 61% of Americans reporting they trust a well-known independent news creator as much as a professional journalist or major news organization for political topics. Furthermore, 67% indicated that the identity of the reporter is more important than formal journalism credentials. Public corrections of mistakes by independent news creators significantly boosted trust, with 86% of respondents citing this as a factor.
Despite this shift, a distinction between independent creators and professional journalists is still recognized by 79% of respondents. Political affiliation appears to influence trust levels, with Republicans showing a greater inclination towards independent news creators, while Democrats tend to favor established journalists and news organizations.
